Southwest Scene.

Store Scores With All Kinds Of Soccer Equipment

May 24, 1998|By Annemarie Mannion. Special to the Tribune.

When Todd Messineo was growing up, he wasn't the fastest or the biggest kid on the block, but he was one with smarts. It showed when he decided to devote his energies to a sport that nearly all people, whatever their size or stamina, can play.

That sport is soccer, and Messineo played it all through his childhood, continuing today in a men's league. He also is owner of Soccer and Things in Orland Park and coaches a team for 7- and 8-year-old boys.

"It's not like football or baseball. You can be any size (child) and play soccer," he said.

And a player doesn't have to be a standout to get some playing time.

"If your star forward gets tired, then you can plug in another player for a few minutes," he said.

The store Messineo operates was started 10 years ago by his parents, Ronald and Janet, who noted their son's interest in the sport and decided a soccer store would thrive. His father has died but his mother, who lives in Orland Park, continues to handle some aspects of the business. The day-to-day operation of the store has been turned over to their son.

Anything imaginable that is needed to play soccer is sold at the store. A top-of-the-line soccer ball is $80.

"It gives you better trajectory when you kick it," Messineo said.

On the lower end, a coach who needs plenty of practice balls can find a bag of eight for $99.99.

The store carries numerous styles of soccer shoes, including those for playing indoor or outdoor, on hard ground, or on wet and muddy ground. The shoes range from $16.99 to $45 for children and from $32 to $140 for adults.